Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Nature" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "nature", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
性質
せいしつ (seishitsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
天性
てんせい (tensei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "nature" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 性質 and 天性.
In Japanese, 性質 (せいしつ (seishitsu)) is typically associated with "nature; property; characteristic; quality" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 人や物、物質などが持っている生まれつきの特徴や属性を指します。一時的な状態ではなく、本質的な特徴を表す場合に使われます。.
On the other hand, 天性 (てんせい (tensei)) maps to "nature; innate disposition; natural talent; born gift" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to nature, innate disposition, natural talents, or a born gift that one possesses since birth. Often used as 天性の. A literal translation of "nature" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "性質"
この化学物質には毒性のある性質があります。
This chemical substance has toxic properties.
Bilingual Context for "天性"
彼女は_______の明るさを持っており、彼女が部屋に入るだけでその場の雰囲気が一瞬でパッと明るくなります。
She has a natural brightness; just by her entering the room, the atmosphere of the place brightens up in an instant.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この化学物質には毒性のある ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "This chemical substance has toxic properties.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "性質" fits here because it means "nature; property; characteristic; quality" in the context of: "This chemical substance has toxic properties.". "天性" represents "nature; innate disposition; natural talent; born gift".